Video Shows Sonoma Helicopter Rescue Of 2 San Jose Teens Stranded On Coastal Rocks

BODEGA BAY - Video showing the long-line rescue last Friday of two San Jose teens clinging to crumbling rocks just feet above a surging ocean by a Sonoma Sheriff's Department helicopter has been released by officials.

Shortly after 5:00 p.m. on June 17, a Sonoma County sheriff's helicopter was dispatched to Bodega Head on a report that two teens were stuck about 50 feet below the top of the bluff, with crashing waves and the rocky beach at least 50 feet below them, according to sheriff's officials.

Also on Patch: 3 Teens Rescued From Bodega Bay Cliff Friday Night

Here's how Sonoma Sheriff's Deputies described the scene on Facebook:

Imagine how frightened you would be clinging to a cliff, with no way to climb up, and down was simply not an option. Now imagine how relieved you’d feel hearing the sound of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Henry 1, flying overhead to save you. Here’s a video of a recent rescue off Bodega Head, on a high cliff opposite of Seal Rock. We got on-scene within 13 minutes of being dispatched and saved two teens from a potentially deadly situation in minutes of our arrival. On Friday afternoon June 17, 2016, the crew of Henry 1 rescued the teens from a cliff above the frigid waters of Bodega Bay. A group of four hiked down a trail to the beach, but when the tide came in they found themselves stranded and unable to hike up the path. The teens decided to climb the cliff face to the top of the bluff. One was able to make it all the way up safely to high ground. He called 911 for help and Henry 1 took to the air for the rescue. Emergency personnel responded including our Resident Deputy, State Parks Rangers, US Coast Guard, Bodega Bay Fire Department and their volunteers. One of the teens was pulled to safety by the Bodega Bay Fire Department who used a rope to reach him about 15 feet down the cliff. Two more, a boy and a girl, remained stuck about 50’ down the cliff and perilously 50’ above the pounding waves. The crew of Henry 1 rigged a 100-foot rope and flew our Deputy suspended from beneath the helicopter out along the cliff. First the Deputy rescued the female who was in a very precarious position on crumbling bluff. After they set her down atop the cliff they flew back out to the male. While awaiting his turn for rescue, he climbed into a more dangerous spot. He was now facing the cliff and clutching the unstable rock face. Our Deputy secured him in a rescue device and the pilot flew them both to safety. We are grateful that none of the youths were injured. The crew of Henry 1 routinely trains for rescues such as this along our coastline. With our partners in public safety, we work efficiently during these emergency situations to bring about the best possible outcome for all involved.

-embed, image via Sonoma Sheriff